=WHY USE TESTIMONIALS=

Simply said testimonials SELL! In fact, testimonials have been known to increase sales by 250% or more! The Internet is a very impersonal medium. People trust people! The more you can do to “humanize” your web site the more likely potential clients will want to do business with you. Testimonials “speak” to potential clients in a honest, believable way.

Think about it you set up your new shiny website and tell everyone who visits just how great you massages are, but really…..How would you know? After all you can’t massage yourself.

Put it this way potential clients want to know:

- Is a web site secure?

- Is this a reputable business?

- Can they really deliver what they promise?

Client testimonials can PROVIDE the answers to such questions, BUILD trust and Secure new business

=HOW TO GET TESTIMONIALS=

Want a sure-fire way to get client testimonials? Ask for them!  You know what they say you don’t know unless you ask. Most clients would be happy to assist you, and you’ll feel GREAT when you hear all the positive feedback! (As if you need more validation that you were a great therapist?)

1. ASK CURRENT CLIENTS When job is finished ask your clients what they liked best about your sessions There are many ways to ask including:

Phone Call

Email

Postcard

Letter

(If asking for mail feedback always use a self addressed stamped envelope)

2. HOST A FREE TRIAL Give a free trial to some potential clients. Ask them: – if they found it useful – what they would pay for a product like that – how they would improve the product. (Don’t be concerned about giving free massages to these people – to know the thoughts of your target market is invaluable, think of this as merely an investment.)

3. GIVE A FREE TRIAL TO AN INDUSTRY EXPERT Someone with a complete knowledge of your field is well suited to judge how your massages are. Remember how powerful “ 9 out of 10 dentists” recommending Brand X toothpaste was?

NOTE: ALWAYS get permission to use the testimonial. Have them sign a release form granting their permission.

=HOW TO USE TESTIMONIALS EFFECTIVELY=

1. FULLY IDENTIFY THE QUOTED PERSON – Use full name, company name, maybe even city, state, or age!

Ex. of SIGNED Testimony (Jim Blah-de-Blah from Whizbang International)

Ex. of GENERICALLY SIGNED Testimony: (from J.E. from a Leading Manufacturing Firm)

2. USE BENEFIT ORIENTED TESTIMONIALS – Specific testimonials can reinforce key benefits of your product or service. See examples below:

Benefit Based Testimonial:

“Sue’s Massages where so invigorating I felt the stress leave my body and totally re-energised afterwards!” (Stress relief is key benefit)

General Testimonial:

“Sue’s Massages are fantastic.” (nice, but too general)

=WHERE TO USE TESTIMONIALS=

Grouped on a testimonials page of your web site

Scattered throughout your web site in 1or 2 line snippets

Email marketing letters

Newsletters

Direct Mail

Brochures

The words of a satisfied client are powerful tools for building trust, promoting your reputation, and increasing sales and profitability! I urge you to tap into the power of testimonials for promoting your business.